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Celebrating The Magic – Day 8

On Day 8 of my challenge to celebrate the magic of life every single day (read about the inspiration behind it here), I indulged my creativity and experimented with designs for a very special necklace I am making for myself. I temporarily got lost in a world of crystals, one of my favourite places to be!

A few months ago I’d bought some spectacular rainbow moonstone, labradorite and amethyst cabochons with an idea in mind of what I would make. I’d put them aside and nearly forgotten all about it until this week. This challenge has been such a blessing, as it has encouraged me to do things I probably wouldn’t have got around to for a long time otherwise. It has already enriched my life in so many ways.

I had sketched out some designs a little while ago, but didn’t have them with me today, so I spent time arranging the crystals into mini mandalas. As this is a completely new design and technique, I need to practise on some less precious gems before making the pendant. This meant today was even more enjoyable as I just did the fun part of creating beautiful patterns with the crystals, without the tricky part of learning a new skill!

I enjoyed photographing the gemstones almost as much as I enjoyed arranging them, as it was enchanting to study the way they caught the light. Challenging myself to celebrate the magical aspects of life every day has taught me to slow down and appreciate things I would normally rush through. The emphasis was taken off completing the necklace which allowed me to relish the process.

How can a celebratory mindset allow you to appreciate the small but beautiful things in life more? I would love to hear your thoughts on this or anything related in the comments below 🙂

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You Are The Entire Universe

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Sometimes inner peace is about relaxing, smoothing over rough edges, smiling and simply breathing. Other times, when we are dealing with turbulent forces inside and outside of us, we are forced to really embrace our infinite nature.

We may experience thunder storms and volcanoes inside of us, which can be overwhelming, or act as a reminder to grow. Sometimes the battles we are facing seem so big that only in becoming bigger that a galaxy of stars do we feel able to cope. Only then are we able to see the beauty of the mountains we have conquered.

View from Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

When you are the entire universe there is no need to fight against the wild forces that exist within you. You can appreciate the fire, the lightning and rough seas, just as much as you can appreciate the beautiful sunny days when your mind is crystal clear.

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Dissolving into a blissful state of peace is easy when conditions are gentle, but when we are facing challenges (whether these come from within or without) we get the opportunity to feel our power. When we remember that we have the ability to expand beyond whatever emotion or turmoil we are facing, no matter how huge it seems, we no longer feel the need to try to deny, diminish or fight against it.

The fire inside us that we were previously trying to extinguish for fear it would destroy us, becomes pure magic. We no longer feel that we are drowning in our emotions. We can swim through them, enjoying their depth and vastness.

Tranquillity may not seem possible in the midst of extreme conditions, but if we can visualise the trials we are facing to be powerful forces of nature, peace can be found in visualising ourselves to be the infinite space of a universe full of stars which allows everything within to exist without restraint.

When we no longer feel the need to restrict any part of ourselves or others due to fear, we can experience a beautiful freedom which grows with us. The more we can expand into our infinite selves, the more joy we can find, even in our struggles.

When you are the entire universe, how can you not see the beauty of the explosions inside of you? They are no threat to your existence, and the drama only enhances your magnificence. So don’t be afraid next time a storm comes, it’s just showing you who you really are!

It is my wish that this post helps you find a little more acceptance for difficult emotions or experiences you may face, and is not intended to be taken too seriously. Never be afraid to seek out professional help if you need it. Therapy is an incredibly empowering process which I would recommend 100% from my personal experience. Your journey is unique, and doing what feels right for YOU without fear of judgement is the best advice I can give. Feel free to leave me a comment below to say hello 🙂

Celebrate Life

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Whether we’re on top of the world, or in the depths of fear and despair, LIFE is the one thing that connects us all. Even when everything is falling apart, it is impossible to deny on a logical level that life is an amazing miracle.

We may not feel like celebrating when we are in the midst of sadness or anger, but the truth of existence remains. The material world springs from the void in all of its complexity, and our emotion is a direct experience of this.

Whether we are aged 2, 22 or 202, we have reason to celebrate. Life is the one thing that connects us all. Whether we are full of love and joy, or feeling disconnected and isolated, getting back to basics and acknowledging the extraordinary experience we are sharing can only enrich our lives.

Ayutthaya, Thailand

When I was younger, this desire to celebrate came incredibly naturally. To be dancing with other souls on this sacred journey was the best feeling in the world. All I wanted to do was soak up every precious moment. It was completely unconscious though. I was just a young person enjoying the party.

Fast forward a few years, I’d had several premature mid life crises, and lost my passion for such festivities. Somewhere along the way, I’d forgotten why I was celebrating. I experienced the other side of life, at times lost in deep sadness and isolation. However, avoiding parties and festivals definitely didn’t help. At least not at first.

I didn’t know what made me happy any more, so I took the time to explore my creativity and do some serious soul searching. I discovered my values and reasons for living, and now I truly understand the importance of celebrating our existence together.

Dressing up as a badger is the best way to celebrate any occasion!

In our society, there is a tendency as we get older to let this celebratory side of us fall asleep, in favour of a quieter peace and contentment (or bitterness, anger and resentment!). But having experienced the full spectrum of emotions, we have the chance to bring a depth to our celebration that we were previously unaware of.

Every experience feeds our soul in some way. The more life we have lived, the more our creativity can bloom. It is our duty to one another to share our magic.

Handmade gemstone necklaces pictured available in my shop www.etsy.com/shop/tessheaven.

Belief in various gods or a higher power unites people in other cultures, giving festivals a deeper meaning, and a reason to set aside individual egos. However, our lack of a shared belief system shouldn’t prevent us from joining forces, and worshipping almighty LIFE together.

I think this is something we forget in our country sometimes, in favour of hedonism and obliteration. There is definitely a place for reckless abandon, but maybe there would be less need to escape reality if we were more focused on celebrating the one thing that unites us all. Being ALIVE!

The Power Of A Crazy Dream

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I often imagine I’m levitating. I dream that I will live forever, in a beautiful harmonious world full of magic and wonder.

Handmade macrame gemstone jewellery available in my Etsy shop.

Unfortunately I am not yet able to fly, and although my little segment of the world is pretty good, it definitely isn’t paradise. However, when I focus on my magnificent dreams, I experience some very beneficial side effects.

Wrap your life in rainbows.

When I imagine myself to be unconstrained by the limits of this physical world, I experience, without fail, a boost in energy and a surge of inspiration. I feel motivated, capable and confident in my abilities. This in turn leads to happiness and success in whatever I am doing.

Actually achieving the ultimate dream then becomes less relevant, because it has already benefited me in the here and now. I may spend time visualising mystical realms of indescribable peace and beauty, but it is the calm clear mind and feeling of love that remains after the visualisation that is important.

Perfume Pagoda, Vietnam

Whether you dream of world domination, or holding your breath for an hour and diving down to the bottom of the ocean, there is a tremendous power in indulging your dreams. Not because they might come true (although believing in your dreams is the first step in making them a reality!), but because getting in touch with the things that light up your heart brings so much inspiration, joy, clarity and confidence.

Ayutthaya, Thailand. I dream of a life of endless adventure ♡

I have used this technique personally to overcome mental fogginess and apathy many many times. It has also played a part in overcoming my struggles with depression and anxiety, along with a lot of other help, support, self-love, medication and therapy. It is just one of many useful strategies I have picked up, but it definitely plays a significant part for me in cultivating happiness and moving my life in the right direction.

So if you have a weird and wonderful dream, please don’t feel like entertaining it is a waste of time. Maybe it’s achievable, maybe it isn’t… but believing in it may just make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Enjoy all of the successes your dream brings you along the way, and gradually loosen all of the limitations you have imposed on yourself, until you are truly living in a world where dreams come true!

What does your heaven look like? Necklaces pictured from my Etsy shop.

Tell me about your craziest dreams in the comments below 😊.

The Magic Is In You – Water Wonderland

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This is the second in an experimental series of posts about connecting to the magic within and all around us. You can read the first post here as a general introduction to the idea.

I have chosen water as the theme because it is the one aspect of nature I can always rely on to soothe and calm me wherever I am.

The inspiration for this post didn’t come to me in the clear turquoise waters of a tropical island, beautiful lake, or river though. It was bubbling away in the jacuzzi at my local spa.

As I sat there in a peaceful daze, visions came to me of past times I’d been happily submerged in water, in places far and wide.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Imagined future scenes also flashed before me, until these visions enveloped me into a water wonderland which merged with the swirling delight of my present surroundings.

I sank deeper into the hot bubbling whirlpool in a dreamy stupor, and in that moment, all of my trepidation about leaving my current life behind to go off alone into the unknown again dissolved. I knew that wherever I was I would always have this. I could always return to the water world of my dreams that existed somewhere between planet earth and a paradise-like realm, where water was a sacred gift from the gods.

Iguasu Falls, South America

Water Meditation

Submerge yourself in water. It could be in a bath, a river, lake, pool, hot tub or the sea. (I have recently discovered the joy of having a wetsuit, which means I can swim comfortably even in the freezing cold water of the UK!) Find a safe quiet spot where you feel happy to stay for a while. Or, if you feel calmer on the move, find an open space where you can swim slowly without being disturbed.

The main aim of this activity is to relax and connect with your own magical water dreamland. Use the flowing quality of water to wash away any negativity in your mind and body, and feel how you become almost weightless. Feel yourself dissolving into the water, becoming more and more peaceful with every breath you take.

Your body begins to merge with the water, your movements becoming more fluid and easeful. You are one with the water, and realise that all of the peace and calm that the water provides already exists within you. Allow the twinkling reflections on the surface of the water, and swirling shapes your body makes as you move, to transport you to your water wonderland.

Sunset, Barbados

Allow images of beautiful waterfalls, lakes, rivers and oceans to float through your mind. Enjoy the anticipation of visiting these places, and the special memories of places you have already been. You are infinitely peaceful, and have a deep appreciation for this precious gift.

There is no set time for this meditation. Personally, I could spend hours in water without getting bored, but everyone is different. When you have finished, write down a few words under the heading of ‘water wonderland’ to remind you of this experience, or collect some pictures to create a collage of dream water paradises you would like to visit.

Try to take some of this relaxation and fluidity you have experienced with you into the coming days. Allow peace to ripple out from you in all directions, and feel like you can float through any difficulties you may encounter.

Thank you for joining me in our water wonderland, I hope you enjoyed it! Leave me a comment and tell me about your favourite places and inspiring experiences below ❤SHARE

The Magic Is In You

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This is the first in an experimental series of short posts where I will share ideas designed to inspire us to connect with the magic of nature, and the magic of ourselves.

I was thinking along the lines of mini challenges, meditations and adventures, but will be adapting the format as we progress, so your feedback will be extremely helpful.

Intention is the number one thing to keep in mind when taking part in any of the challenges. The purpose is to step outside of our regular world, and into one where anything is possible; to rediscover child-like wonder, and become enchanted by our surroundings. By incorporating our strong intention to see the magic wherever we are, we begin to realize that if we look for the beauty, and go calmly with peace in our hearts, the world sparkles in response.

The magic is in you.

So as to let this idea settle in, our first magical experience together will be a very simple one:

Bring the idea ‘THE MAGIC IS IN YOU’ to an activity of your choice. It could be something you already do on a regular basis, such as walking, swimming, running, sitting on the bus or meditating, or you can choose something new. It only needs to be for about 15 minutes, but feel free to shorten or lengthen the time depending on your feeling.

For this amount of time, choose to see or feel the magic in whatever you are doing. If you find this difficult, it may be easier to choose to be somewhere in the natural world, such as a forest or near a river, where there are lots of beautiful things to appreciate.

Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia

Slow down your thoughts, and gaze with a twinkle in your eye at whatever is around you. Don’t label or analyze anything, just appreciate anything you find beautiful or magical, like the colours, the shapes, or the patterns of light reflecting on different surfaces.

If you are moving, try to make your movements smooth and harmonious. Move as if you are completely at peace. Move as if you are magic. Move as if you are infinite. If you are still, use the feeling of stillness to sink deeper and deeper into peace.

When you have finished, write down 3 good things about your experience. These can be as simple as ‘felt relaxed’, ‘beautiful light’, or ‘fresh air’. Feel free to be more elaborate if you are inspired. The main aim of this part is to remember the magical things you appreciated during your experience.

The more we focus on the magic, the more it will grow. I feel infinitely more at peace with myself since I have made this my regular practice. I hope that it will inspire you, and fill you with joy and happiness! Please let me know what magical things you found to appreciate in the comments below 🙂

You can find all the posts in this series in “The Magic Is In You” section of this site.

Nature Meditation

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Some places are so spectacularly beautiful that we are effortlessly drawn into their magic.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Time seems to slow down and we feel a profound inner stillness.

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

A view can seem so surreal that it brings us a fresh perspective on life. The whole world somehow feels more alive, and more strange!

Machu Picchu, Peru

Our surroundings interact with us and remind us that we are part of this extraordinary vision. Contemplating a magnificent ocean view is a full sensory immersion. The endless gentle roar of the waves, the feel of the salty sea air on the skin, and the unmistakeable smell, are so powerfully soothing.

Big Sur, California

Interacting with nature in a more dynamic way can also bring about feelings of deep peace. The full body co-ordination involved with outdoor activities such as rock climbing, paddle boarding, skiing and surfing (along with countless others!), can really force us into a state of calm concentration and aliveness.

The adrenaline of a bungee jump or a sky dive, combined with the rushing air and amazing views can only be compared to the feeling of being the hero of a real-life computer game! These were among the most intense natural highs I have ever experienced.

Meditation was rarely my intention with these out-of-this-world experiences; but they did open a doorway for me to experience the immense beauty of the present moment. Seen with fresh eyes, beauty appeared in details I had previously missed. The world became so vivid to me, and I had much more appreciation for the subtle charm of ordinary things.

I realized that peace was accessible to me anywhere, any time.

A tiny patch of land where nature is allowed to flourish, 2 minutes from my home in the UK.

If we make it our intention to deepen our sense of peace and connection to the world around us, a walk in a local park can be as magical as visiting a more dramatically beautiful place. It may not have such a powerful impact, but if we allow its gentle beauty to permeate our being, the effect can be just as profound.

If you open your heart to the beauty of the present moment, you will be rewarded.

Whether you’re taking a peaceful stroll in nature, sitting quietly in your garden, or swimming in the ocean, consciously connecting with the magic of your surroundings will deepen the feeling of peace you experience. The benefits will continue throughout your day, and beyond.

So my challenge for you today is to become one with the subtle magic of the present moment. Give yourself a minimum of 5 minutes to deepen your bond with a natural environment or a particular aspect of nature. It could be as simple as contemplating a beautiful flower or leaf, or gazing up at the vast open sky. Or if you have more time, climb a hill or follow the path of a river. There are endless possibilities.

Just remember that your intention is the most important thing. When you combine a strong intention to nurture your bond with nature and feel peace in your heart, with a simple action that is in alignment with the intention, you will find that you create a new magic all of your own.

How do you connect with nature? What magical moments have inspired you? Leave me a comment below and share your wisdom 🙂

10 Affirmations To Assist You During An Adventure

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An adventure for you might be as simple as getting up early to go to the gym, or going to a party where you don’t know anyone. Or it might be climbing a mountain or doing a bungee jump. We all have our comfort zones. Some days simply venturing outside feels like an adventure to me, yet at other times traveling solo through remote areas of foreign countries where I don’t speak a word of the language has felt like a walk in the park.

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Whatever your current adventure threshold is, affirmations can really help to focus your mind when taking on challenges. Try using these, take bits that feel empowering, discard bits that don’t, or make up some of your own!

1. I am infinite.

One of my top affirmations for just about anything. It’s simple and straight to the point. Most of the rest of this list is saying the same thing in different words. In fact, much of what I write on this blog relates to this powerful idea. For some ‘infin-spiration’ read my recent post ‘You Are Infinite’.

Me being Tarzan in the Venezuelan jungle!

2. I am an eternal being journeying through time and space. I can do anything.

This one puts things into perspective! When I’m afraid, remembering this really helps.

3. Adventure brings me expansion into peace.

When we do something that takes us out of our comfort zone, we see that we can cope with a lot more than we think we can. This brings a greater sense of peace in day to day life.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

4. The earth is my friend and gives me infinite love and support.

Having the mindset that our environment is friendly rather than hostile can drastically change the way we interact with it. When I got lost in Kuala Lumpur, late at night and carrying a heavy backpack, I panicked. I was in very little physical danger as I was in a central part of town with plenty of people around. But it had been a long journey and I was tired, hungry and not thinking straight. I saw friendly people who tried to help and give me directions as a threat, and I strode off in the opposite direction from my hostel, determined to find my own way there!

I got there in the end but I was very sweaty, exhausted and annoyed! In contrast, when I got lost in the middle of nowhere in Cappadocia, with no water left and in the blazing heat, I was ridiculously calm. I was still exhausted and very hot, but the beauty and silence of my surroundings put me at complete ease. I continued walking happily and found my way back quickly. I’m sure I’d still be there now if I had decided the desolate landscape with crumbly rocks and thistles was out to get me!

Rose Valley, Cappadocia

5. I am strong and calm.

This one speaks for itself really. Desirable qualities for any adventurer!

6. This experience is helping me tap into my infinite source of inner strength.

When we’re struggling, telling ourselves we’re infinite sometimes seems unbelievable. This is when getting a bit creative with the wording can do wonders. We may not feel infinite at that moment, but we know we have felt much more capable than this in the past. So remembering that this strength exists, and our experience is helping us to find it, can be an excellent stepping stone.

White water rafting in Peru, just before we flipped over and smashed my face on the rock! I wouldn’t want to experience it again, but surviving it made me feel strong.

7. I am one with my surroundings.

Similar to number 4. When we experience something that challenges us, it is easy to fall into the trap of feeling separate and isolated. At the end of the day, adventure is something to be enjoyed, not endured. This affirmation can remind us of why we’re here, and to become totally immersed in the experience.

Poon Hill in the Himalayas, Nepal.

8. I am growing into my limitless self.

For the times when enjoying it just doesn’t seem feasible! We grow from every experience and that is an amazing thing in itself.

9. I am infinitely capable and can deal with any situation with ease.

Feeling tired, hungry, scared, lost or alone can trigger feelings of insecurity which can fool us into believing we are much less capable than we are. We suddenly become like a vulnerable small child again. Remind yourself that you are infinitely capable and that you can not only deal with this, but you can deal with it easily.

10. I am a super magical goddess/god/being/creature!

If all else fails call upon your magical powers! When we’re challenging ourselves, it can seem like we need superhuman powers to succeed. So give it a try, and use this super magical affirmation!

I hope you enjoyed reading these and found some of them useful. Affirmations and visualizations work best for me when I play around and have fun with them, so feel free to mix them up into your own special blend. I’d love to hear from you with your top affirmations, or any new ideas these have inspired. Happy adventuring! ❤ ❤ ❤

You Are Infinite

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Our lives are ruled by our beliefs, and what we believe about ourselves often becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

I am infinite.

Choosing to believe this one simple thought has led to a complete turnaround in my day on countless occasions. Over time, these days are adding up to a big improvement in my life.

When your confidence takes a knock you probably have a hard time believing you’re capable of washing the dishes, let alone anything more complicated. But luckily, you don’t need to justify it.

All you need is your imagination.

Ubud, Bali

Whenever you experience difficulties in life, remember the power that lies within you. No matter what your situation, you always have had, and always will have, the potential within you to create magic.

Raw citrine crystal necklace from my Etsy shop.

This power has nothing to do with your past achievements or external circumstances. It depends only on your ability to let your mind gravitate towards the things that light you up inside.

It is the power of the imagination that makes us infinite. Our imagination is far greater than the sum of all our experiences. We have the ability to draw inspiration from our past, and dream up new worlds which build on these magical moments.

Magical moments – beautiful pagoda on the Yen river, Vietnam.

You may not be where you want to be just yet, but you still have the capacity to appreciate beauty and feel peace in the here and now. You can create something beautiful with what you already have, and you can share that with others.

When a magnificent scene of natural beauty takes your breath away, know that you are only able to feel its magic because it resonates with the magic inside of you.

Iguacu Falls, South America

If a vision truly resonates with your soul, the possibility exists for it to become real. Even if you have temporarily lost faith in yourself, a true heartfelt desire holds the power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Sometimes self belief can be the hardest thing in the world, especially when doing something outside of our comfort zone. When we don’t have a solid track record of success to inspire confidence , our strength lies in tapping into our imagination, our passion and our dreams.

A dreamy Himalayan sunrise. Photo taken from the top of Poon Hill on the ABC trek.

These dreams and visions are a core part of who we are. To have imagined them they must be within us, and when you realize that you start to see yourself in a much more expansive way. If we can dream of such beautiful things, we must have this beauty inside of us.

To see an improvement in any area of your life, the image you hold of yourself is often the most important thing you can change. (I talked about this in my earlier posts It’s Not What You Do, It’s How You Do It and The Super Power Of Visualization.)

Any time you doubt your own ability or feel fearful about something, try asking yourself: “What would infinite/magical/superhuman (insert your name) do?” Then do that.

It feels kind of silly at first, but I promise you, once you get into it, you’ll start to notice a real difference in how you feel and the way you approach tasks. It may not always be easy to make the leap from feeling incapable and scared (I’m talking from personal experience here!), to visualizing an unlimited, elevated version of yourself… BUT IT IS POSSIBLE. Just keep practising!

If you’re ready for a bit of practice, check out my post How To Create Your Own Heaven.

Citizens Of The World

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I am inspired by visions of beauty all over the world, from striking real life Indian goddesses amidst stunning temples,

Vittala temple complex, Hampi, India

to prayer flags lining paths through remote villages in Nepal.

On the way to the start of the Annapurna Base Camp trek in Nepal.

I am inspired by the love of life and welcoming attitude of people everywhere I go, from the kindness of countless strangers across the globe, who have cooked me delicious meals, performed impromptu traditional dances, and shared the joy of singing and playing music together…

Men dancing in Amed, Bali.

… to the lovingly cultivated celebration of nature that is my parents garden.

I am reassured to find that wherever I travel in the world, despite the cultural differences, people all have the same underlying appreciation for, and desire to celebrate and honour, this precious life. From elaborate man made religious buildings with a hint of nature…

Ubud, Bali

to the more subtle yet absolutely awe inspiring Gergeti Trinity Church, Georgia, dwarfed by the dramatic landscape that surrounds it.

Gergeti Trinity Church, Kazbegi, Georgia

I take pieces of these people, places and things with me and weave them into the wonderland of my imagination. I hope that the things I create will inspire joy in those around me, just like the things that inspire me touch my own heart.

Necklaces from my Etsy shop.

Tess Heaven

Explore, inspire, create

Tag Archives: inspiration

Celebrating The Magic – Day 8

You Are The Entire Universe

Celebrate Life

The Power Of A Crazy Dream

The Magic Is In You – Water Wonderland

Water Meditation

The Magic Is In You

Nature Meditation

10 Affirmations To Assist You During An Adventure

You Are Infinite

Citizens Of The World